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Map of Hiking in Joshua Tree and Death Valley including United States Of America

Take a walk on the wild side in Death Valley and Joshua Tree.

Hike some of North America’s most iconic National Parks on a five-day adventure which travels from the bright lights of Los Angeles to Joshua Tree and Death Valley and on to the Badwater Basin. On this trip you’ll venture to Skull Rock, hike through a wonderland of desert landscapes deep in Joshua Tree National Park and discover one of the best views in the whole of Death Valley. Add a booming dune or two in Mojave National Preserve, and it's nothing but aces to Las Vegas. This tour delivers a breath of fresh air and some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.

Start
Los Angeles, United States
Finish
Las Vegas, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
SIXJ
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks on foot – hike some most iconic and classic treks under a watchful eye of our expert guides.

  • On the Willow Hole trail you'll discover your own rocky wonderland at the aptly named Wonderland of Rocks.

  • Hike to the famous booming dunes on the Kelso Dune Trail in Mojave National Preserve.

  • Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. Join your guide as they take you around and explain how this magnificent place came into being.

  • Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley offers some of the best views of the National Park. Hike to Zabriskie point for unforgettable photo opportunities.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a walking trip so a good fitness level will help you enjoying all included walks and activities.

  • This trip starts early in the morning on Day 1. If you need to arrive the day before, we can book extra accommodation for you (subject to availability).

  • This trip involves driving. On Day 4 we will drive from Joshua Tree to Mojave National Preserve and further on to Death Valley. It my take up to 5 hours in the van.

  • Death Valley has really hot days so please make sure you prepare adequately for hiking there. Please read our packing list carefully.

Tour group walks through Death Valley National Park, California, USA
Badwater Basin at Sunset. Salt Crust and Clouds Reflection. Death Valley National Park. California, USA
Rock formations and native flora of Joshua Tree National Park on a hike to the Lost Palms Oasis.
Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA.
Eureka Sand Dunes at Death Valley National Park, California, USA
Mountain Range, Death Valley National Park, California, USA

Itinerary
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Meet your group at 9am for a Welcome Meeting then make your way to Joshua Tree National Park for your first hike of the trip. Keep an eye out for wildflowers such as cat’s claw acacia, desert almond and oak woodlands among the boulders as you stroll along this easy and accessible trail which leads to the famous Skull Rock. After the walk, settle in at your accommodation and spend the afternoon and evening at leisure before tomorrow's hikes.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Joshua Tree - Skull Rock hike
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 9am as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time and then departing on the tour. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today’s walking distance is 1.8 miles (2.7 km) with an elevation gain of 120 feet (49 m).

Tuck into a hearty breakfast, pick up a packed lunch and then head out for one of Joshua Tree's best hikes. The Willow Hole Trail will take you to the aptly named Wonderland of Rocks with its towering cliffs, winding canyons, and smooth rocky domes. This trail is a favorite among photographers so keep your eyes peeled for that perfect shot. Tonight, don't forget to look up and admire the carpet of stars overhead. Joshua Tree National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park and famous around the world for its incredible stargazing opportunities.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Joshua Tree - Willow Hole Trail hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 7 miles (11 kilometres) with an elevation gain of 246 feet (75 metres).

Today is an early start as we make our way to Death Valley National Park. First, we'll stop at Mojave National Preserve for a walk along the Kelso Dunes Trail to listen to the booming dunes which really do boom! The strange and eerie sound is deep and rumbling and produces a vibration that you can feel. Want to make a really loud boom? Get your group together on the crest of a dune which hasn’t been walked on for a while and try to shove off as much sand as possible at the same time. Don't forget to stop and smell the unique perfume of the creosote bushes along the trail, and you'll also see beautiful wildflowers along this trail if you're visiting between October until May. Continue to Death Valley and explore Badwater Basin along the way, the lowest point in all of North America. Tonight you’ll stay in Death Valley.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mojave National Preserve - Kelso Dunes hike
  • Death Valley NP - Badwater Basin walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 5 hours. Today’s walking distance is 5.7miles (9.5 kilometres) and involves 600 feet (182 metres) of elevation.

Today it’s time for one of Death Valley’s most iconic hikes to the Golden Canyon. The choice of route will depend on the group’s abilities and willingness to hike in the heat as Death Valley is hot, hot, hot. It’s possible to get a glimpse of the canyon from the parking area but walking between the yellow walls of the canyon is well worth the effort to marvel at the wildlife, towering walls, colourful side canyons, and ripples formed by ancient water which have now turned to stone. If the group is feeling adventurous, a longer hike to Zabriskie Point, one of the most photographed lookouts at Death Valley National Park, is highly recommended. Lunch is included in your adventure today. Tonight, you can relax at your hotel or you may like to head out for an impromptu dinner with your group.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Death Valley NP - Golden Canyon hike & Zabriskie point
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 2 to 7.8 miles (3.2 kilometres to 12.6 kilometres) and involves 535 feet to 834 feet (163 metres to 254 metres) of elevation.

After breakfast, it’s time to make our way to Las Vegas. Before we enter the town, we’ll stop for a hike in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Who knew Las Vegas had such incredible hiking right at its doorstep? See for yourself on the Ice Box Canyon Trail which leads to a narrow canyon that rarely sees sunlight. You'll be amazed by how much cooler it is in the canyon than the open desert. After the walk, we'll travel to Las Vegas where your trip will come to an end around 5 pm.
Included Activities
  • Red Rock Canyon State Park - Ice Box hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 2 hours. Today’s walking distance is 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometres) and involves 825 feet (251 metres) of elevation.

Hiking in Red Rock Canyon is self-guided on well-marked trails.

There is no accommodation included in Las Vegas on the last day. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

4 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Joshua Tree - Skull Rock hike
  • Joshua Tree - Willow Hole Trail hike
  • Mojave National Preserve - Kelso Dunes hike
  • Death Valley NP - Badwater Basin walk
  • Death Valley NP - Golden Canyon hike & Zabriskie point
  • Red Rock Canyon State Park - Ice Box hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Hiking in Joshua Tree and Death Valley trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 9am followed by a drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Please see the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
2. On the final day you are expected to arrive in Las Vegas around 5pm and dropped off at the Finishing Point hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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